Health First names James V. Palermo, MD, as its first systemwide Chief Medical Officer

ROCKLEDGE, FL - James V. Palermo, MD, who has served as Health First's Vice President of Quality Management and Chief Quality Officer for the past eight years, has been named as the first Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Health First's integrated healthcare system.

As the first CMO in this newly created position, Dr. Palermo will continue to oversee and direct a comprehensive approach across Health First to clinical quality, patient safety and performance improvement.

In his expanded role, Dr. Palermo will also be working with physicians across the system to identify and collaborate successful healthcare redesign and care management models.

Previously, Dr. Palermo practiced General and Vascular Surgery for 18 years at Cape Canaveral Hospital, where he served as president of the Medical Staff as well as chairman of the Board of Directors.

"I look forward to Dr. Palermo's continued leadership across Health First as he focuses on enhancing the quality of Health First's services we provide to the community," said Health First President and CEO Mike Means.

Dr. Palermo earned his medical degree at the University of Missouri and his Master's Degree in Medical Management from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgery and a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery.

Dr. Palermo will also now serve as a designated officer of Health First, Inc.